Springdale reports strong kindergarten Jump Start participation; Young Elementary named a model STEM school

Springdale School District staff on Aug. 12 reported high participation in the district's kindergarten Jump Start program and celebrated Young Elementary's designation as a model STEM school in Arkansas.

District staff said 595 kindergarten students attended Jump Start this summer, with 16 of 18 schools offering the half‑day, one‑week program that focuses on routines and classroom procedures. Participation at individual schools ranged from roughly 30% to 75% of incoming kindergarten classes, staff reported.

"We feel strongly that we want our kindergarteners to come to school prepared for kindergarten," the presenter said, noting the program runs half days (about 8:30–11:30 a.m.) the week before school starts. Staff described classroom routines practiced during Jump Start — lining up, cafeteria routines, playground expectations and carpet seating — and said many teachers continue the routines during the first two weeks of school to build consistency.

A staff member recounted school‑level results: Westwood ran Jump Start with help from older students through its 21st Century Community Learning Center program; Parson Hills reported high participation after staff delivered door‑to‑door invitations; and Elm Dale reported more than 50% participation and a smooth first day of school as a result. One presenter said, "It was probably the best thing Ashley has ever done as far as figuring out what teaching is gonna look like," describing the experience as particularly valuable for future teachers and classroom teams.

Separately, Young Elementary was recognized as one of 14 schools statewide designated a model STEM school in Arkansas and the second designated STEM school in Springdale. "It is an honor to be the second designated STEM school in Springdale," Miss Norwood said, explaining the program emphasizes the engineering design process and the four C's: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. She described partnerships with community businesses and a fundraising project that incorporated Treehouse Pantry as a classroom connection.

Staff said kindergarten Jump Start commonly serves as both an outreach and readiness program and that principals and instructional facilitators often conduct community outreach to boost participation. The meeting packet included school‑level participation counts; one example cited in the meeting was 32 of 72 students attending at one school.

Board members praised staff for the program and encouraged continuation of Jump Start in future years.